Replace Broken Kitchen Cabinet Glass in 3 Simple Steps
Has your kitchen cabinet glass seen better days? Cracked or broken glass shelves and doors can make your kitchen look dated and worn. Replacing glass panels may seem daunting, but with a few basic tools and materials, it can easily be a DIY project.
With just three simple steps, you can restore your cabinets to their former glory. Read on to learn how!
What You Need
Before starting any kitchen cabinet project, it's important to gather all the necessary supplies. For glass replacement, you'll need the following:
Materials
- Replacement glass - Tempered glass is best for durability and safety
- Glass cutting tools - If sizing custom glass panels
- Glazing points - To hold glass in place
- Glazing compound/putty - Seals glass edges
- Glass cleaner - Removes residue
- Gloves & safety glasses - For protection
Measurements
To ensure your new glass fits perfectly, accurate measurements are a must. Measure the height, width, and thickness of the existing glass. Standard thickness is often 1/8" or 3/16". Account for the edge clearance needed for cutting. Having these exact measurements will make the project go smoothly.
Step 1: Remove the Broken Glass
Before inserting new glass, the broken pieces need to be safely removed. Wearing gloves for protection, carefully remove all loose shards. Thoroughly clean the frame to remove any remaining debris.
For Doors:
Removing broken glass from cabinet doors takes a few extra steps. Start by detaching the door from the cabinet to work on a flat surface. Remove any hardware like hinges or pulls. Then, take off trim strips around the glass pane and slide out the broken piece.
For Shelves:
For glass cabinet shelves, first empty the shelf fully. Use a putty knife to gently pry off stop molding strips around the edge. Carefully slide the broken glass pane out of the shelf frame.
Step 2: Insert the New Glass
Once the old glass is removed, it's time to put in the new pane. First, do a dry fit to confirm the glass slides into place correctly. Apply glazing points around the perimeter to hold the pane in the frame. Run a bead of glazing compound along the edges to seal it.
For Doors:
Replace any wood trim strips to hold the new glass in place on the door. Reattach door hardware like hinges and handles. Remount the door onto the cabinets.
For Shelves:
Slide the replacement glass into the shelf frame and reinstall stop molding strips around the edges. Make sure the glazing compound is smoothed evenly to create a tight seal.
Step 3: Clean and Finish
Once the new glass is secured, remove any excess glazing compound with a putty knife. Use glass cleaner to remove smudges and residue. Allow at least 24 hours for the glazing compound to fully set and dry. Then admire your handy work!
Tips for Success
Follow these tips to ensure your kitchen cabinet glass replacement project goes off without a hitch:
- Use custom cut glass for a perfect fit every time
- Carefully measure needed thickness - don't guess!
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling glass
- Get help for large or heavy glass shelves/doors
- Ensure all glass edges are smooth and even
- Don't rush drying for glazing compounds
Replacing broken cabinet glass is an easy weekend project with these three simple steps. Doing it yourself allows you to save money while breathing new life into your kitchen. With some basic materials, measurements, and safety precautions, those aged or damaged glass panels can be swapped out for crystal clear ones.
Don't live with cracked or missing cabinet glass any longer. Follow this guide to repair doors and shelves to revitalize the look of your kitchen again!